How to Make a Butterfly Cross Quilt Block
Learn how to make a twelve-inch Butterfly Cross quilt block with our free quilt block pattern. This versatile block is an excellent addition to a sampler quilt or as a single repeated block on a completed quilt top.
Over the last few years, I’ve been slowly creating a Sampler quilt made with a gray background and colorful quilt blocks.
I’m sticking to mostly traditional block designs that have been around for a long time. As I create the blocks in the quilt, I’m sharing free quilt block patterns for the blocks with you!
Sampler Quilt Details
- All Blocks are 12” x 12” finished
- Background fabric is Iron by Riley Blake Designs
- Print fabrics are from my fabric collections through the years, this block is created with fabric from my Bluegrass Charm Collection.
- Most blocks are monochromatic
- I’m creating the quilt from my scrap bin, so I don’t have specific fabric requirements to share with you.
- The final layout is yet to be determined!
About the Butterfly Cross Block
The Butterfly Cross quilt block is a charming design that combines the symmetry of a traditional cross block with the delicate angles of butterfly-inspired shapes. Often made with contrasting fabrics, the block features diagonal “wings” radiating from a central cross, creating movement and a light, airy feel.
It’s a versatile block that works beautifully in both scrappy quilts and quilts with more coordinated color palettes.
This 10″ Vintage Delight quilt block has a similar feel to this Butterfly Cross Block, but is constructed in a slightly different manner.
Butterfly Cross Quilt Block Pattern
supplies
- 1 Fat Quarter Background Fabric Gray
- 1 Fat Quarter Fabric A Pink
- 1 Fat Quarter Fabric B White 1 Large Scrap at least 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”
Instructions
Cutting:
- Background Fabric (BK): 4 pieces 3” x 3” 4 pieces 2 1/2” x 5 1/2” 4 pieces 3 1/2” x 3 1/2”Fabric A (Pink): 4 pieces 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” 4 pieces 3” x 3”Fabric B (White): 1 piece 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”
Step One: Create Half-Square Triangles (HST)
- Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of all 4 of your 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” pieces of BK fabric. Layer one 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” piece of BK fabric with one 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” piece of Fabric A, right sides facing.
- Sew 1/4” on each side of the drawn line. Cut apart along the drawn line. Flip the fabric open and press.
- Trim and square up to 3” x 3”. You should have two BK/Fabric A Half-Squares Triangles (HSTs).
- Repeat three more times with the remaining 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” Fabric A pieces.
Step Two: Assemble Corners
- Sew one HST created in step one to one 3” x 3” piece of BK Fabric as shown.
- Sew one HST created in Step one to one 3” x 3” piece of Fabric A as shown.
- Sew these two units to each other.
- Repeat 3 more times to have four sewn units.
Step Three: Assembly Part One
- Sew one Step Two Unit to each side of one of the 2 1/2” x 5 1/2” pieces of BK Fabric as shown.
- Repeat
Step Four: Assembly Part Two
- Sew one 2 1/2” x 5 1/2” piece of BK Fabric to each side of the 2 1/2” x 2 1/2” piece of Fabric B.
- Sew one Step Three unit to the top and bottom of this piece to complete your block.
More Free Twelve-Inch Quilt Block Patterns
- Churn Dash Quilt Block
- Log Cabin Quilt Block
- Friendship Star Quilt Block
- Economy Block
- Shoo-Fly Quilt Block
- Bear Paw Quilt Block
- Maple Leaf Quilt Block
- Maple Star Quilt Block
- Nine Patch Quilt Block
- Turnstile Quilt Block
- Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
- Bow Tie Quilt Block
- Ohio Star Quilt Block
- Pinwheel Star Quilt Block
- Basket Quilt Block
- Heart Quilt Block
- Rail Fence Quilt Block
- Annie’s Choice Quilt Block
- Butterfly Cross Quilt Block
